Italgas introduced Nimbus, a technological marvel set to transform the landscape of gas measurement, at Enlit Paris.

Described by Italgas Reti CEO Lorenzo Dell’Orco as a milestone for the company and the entire gas industry, Nimbus is positioned to revolutionize how gases are measured, particularly with a focus on accommodating hydrogen.

Nimbus, aptly named after the Latin term for cloud, signifies a pivotal moment in gas measurement capabilities. The primary goal of this innovation is to provide a versatile solution capable of measuring a wide range of gases, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen. This comes at a crucial time when the integration of hydrogen into existing gas infrastructure is gaining momentum as a clean energy solution.

The key technological advancement lies in Nimbus’s ability to measure gas mixes containing hydrogen up to 23%, the current maximum limit. This is a significant leap forward, considering the growing interest in hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

The deployment plan is ambitious, with the first batch of 10,000 units set to be installed by Christmas. Subsequent to installation, a 10-month field testing phase will commence, aiming to pave the way for a broader rollout. The goal is to have one million units in operation by 2025, with a staggering 5.5 million units anticipated by 2029.

The financial commitment to this venture is substantial, accounting for 50% of the earmarked 1.6 billion euros allocated for digitalization efforts. Beyond its gas measurement capabilities, Nimbus integrates advanced features, including anti-seismic sensors.

Nimbus goes beyond conventional gas meters by incorporating features designed to enhance safety and facilitate data sharing. Equipped with a seismic sensor and an external temperature detector, Nimbus can interrupt gas supply in the event of earthquakes or fires. This not only safeguards infrastructure but also aligns with safety protocols.

Moreover, the inclusion of these sensors establishes Nimbus as a network of 5 million anti-seismic sensors across the country. This seismic data-sharing initiative is a collaborative effort with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of the University of Pavia (INGV). The partnership aims to leverage seismic data for enhanced safety measures and a more robust understanding of seismic activities.